Canine influenza spreads across Pa., veterinarians sayCanine influenza was first noted in Pennsylvania in 2008, and since then, it has slowly been spreading west across the state, according to veterinarian Lesley King, a professor at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. The virus, originally in horses, was first seen in dogs in 2004, and officials are monitoring it in case it should become infectious to humans, although the CDC says the likelihood of that is low. A canine vaccine exists, and veterinarian Calvin Clements recommends it to his patients because he has seen some cases recently. The Patriot-News (Harrisburg, Pa.)
(9/6)

WSU to dedicate infectious disease research facilityWashington State University's School of Global Animal Health, a new venture committed to studying infectious diseases, is marking the dedication of its first research building Saturday: the Paul G. Allen Center for Global Animal Health. "Somewhere between 60 and 75 percent of the diseases that infect humans over time have their origin in animals," said veterinarian Guy Palmer, a professor of pathology and infectious diseases at the WSU College of Veterinary Medicine. "You want to control the disease before it comes into humans." The Spokesman-Review (Spokane, Wash.) (free content)
(9/7)

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Animal News

Good hygiene helps protect against toxoplasmosisToxoplasma gondii infection has occurred in 22.5% of people in the U.S., according to the CDC, and although most infections are asymptomatic, people who are immunosuppressed can suffer serious illness and even death from the infection. While the main source of infection is undercooked meat, environmental contamination with cat feces containing the parasite may be a more important source than previously recognized. "While this information can be frightening, we want people to know the spread of this dangerous disease can be prevented," said veterinarian Neil Shaw. "The most important thing a person can do is be responsible, and that means taking proper sanitary precautions if you own a pet." Chattanoogan.com (Tenn.)
(9/6)

Police dog finds missing 76-year-old man aliveOn Thursday, Chase, a Suffolk County, N.Y., police dog, tracked 76-year-old Jerome Nadler, who had gone missing three days earlier while fly-fishing in the Caleb Smith State Park Preserve. Chase stayed next to Nadler, who was covered in insect bites and barely conscious, until his handlers reached the scene. "The dog made all the difference," said Nadler's son Matthew Nadler, who had nearly given up hope of finding his father alive. WNBC-TV (New York)
(9/6)

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Around the Office

How to spot a loyal employeeTruly loyal employees care about you as a person and are willing to voice contradictory opinions, Jeff Haden writes. "They'll tell you because they know that though you may not care much for what you hear, you care tremendously about doing what is best for your company and your employees." However, they will also stand behind your decisions after you have made them, he writes. Inc. online/Owners' Manual blog (free registration)
(9/5)

Raw Pet Foods and the AVMA's PolicyIn August 2012, the AVMA House of Delegates approved a new policy discouraging the feeding to dogs and cats of raw or undercooked animal-source protein. To clarify the policy and the reasoning behind it, the AVMA has developed an FAQ on Raw or Undercooked Animal-Source Protein in Cat and Dog Diets. View the FAQ.

The uncreative mind can spot wrong answers, but it takes a very creative mind to spot wrong questions."

--Antony Jay,British writer, broadcaster, director and actor

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